‘For God’s Sakes’ Can Something Please Go Into Old Kmart In West Duluth?

The Kmart in Spirit Valley closed in 2018. We're approaching year 7 of this terrible eyesore in the heart of the Spirit Valley neighborhood in West Duluth. Can't something be done about it?

Failed Business Attempts Since 2018

In 2022, we were close to having a UHaul facility there, but it was shot down because of ordinances. Then, in 2023, there were talks about the sale and turning it into a pickleball facility, but that ended in a legal battle. Now, it remains empty.

Fox 21 News most recently did a story on the Spirit Valley Core Investment Plan working on revitalizing the neighborhood. They met in December last year to get feedback from the community. Now, they are in the process of developing plans and hope to finalize plans this summer.

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Biggest Issue For Community

At the top of the list for community concern was the old Kmart building. City officials understand it's an issue but also say it's private property not owned by the city. It's current owner is Chadco of Duluth, LLC.

I was on Duluth's Reddit page and saw someone suggest that a Trader Joe's would be perfect in that location. Another comment got my attention, saying, "For God's sake something need's to open there soon." That comment alone had 30 upvotes.

What would you like to see happen with the location? We'll have to see what develops this summer with, hopefully, a finalized plan that includes the old Kmart location.